If you have an idea that could improve student life at Heriot-Watt, we want to hear it. Big or small, serious or simple, your ideas help shape what the Union does next.
What is the Ideas platform?
The Ideas platform is your way to suggest changes, improvements or new ideas for Heriot-Watt Student Union or the wider student experience.
It is designed to be simple, welcoming and genuinely listened to. This is not a test and you do not need to be an expert.
What kind of ideas can I submit?
Anything that could improve student life, including:
- Changes you would like to see in the Union
- New activities, services or events
- Issues that keep coming up and need fixing
- Improvements to how things currently work
Some ideas are quick wins and can be sorted easily. Others are bigger, more complex, or might not be possible right now. We will always be honest with you about what can and can't happen (sadly, selling £1 pints would bankrupt us).
What makes a good idea?
A good idea clearly explains:
- What you want to change
- Why it matters to students
That is it.
If you can show that other students feel the same, great, but it is not a barrier to submitting. Personal experience absolutely counts.
If your idea needs shaping, we can help with that after you submit.
Who can submit an idea?
Any current member of Heriot-Watt Student Union can submit an idea at any time.
When you submit, we will ask for:
- Your name
- Your student number
- A title for your idea
- A short explanation of what you want to change and why
What happens after I submit?
Every idea is reviewed and every student gets a response.
After submission, your idea may:
- Be actioned straight away
- Be passed to the most relevant officer or staff team
- Be discussed by student decision makers
- Need further investigation if there are financial or legal considerations
Whatever the outcome, we will explain what is happening and why. No silence. No disappearing ideas.
How long does it take?
Timescales can vary depending on the type of idea, but:
- You will be told what is happening with your idea
- You will be kept updated if it takes longer to explore
- You will hear the outcome, even if the answer is no
Can my idea be rejected?
Sometimes, yes. Some ideas are not possible due to cost, legal restrictions or wider impact.
If this happens, we will explain the reasons clearly and talk through any alternative options with you. You will never be left wondering what happened.
Why should I submit an idea?
Because this is your Union. Many of the changes students see at Heriot-Watt start with one person speaking up.
If you have ever thought “someone should really do something about that”, this is your chance to be that someone.